The newest member of Grapevine's City Council participated in her first council meeting July 1 after she was sworn in to the Place 6 seat.

O'Dell said it was a long journey on the way to victory in the runoff June 21. She said she is excited to begin her service on City Council.

"This is something I've wanted for a while," O'Dell said. "I'm really ready to get to work."

O'Dell has worked for a number of nonprofits and organizations throughout her 30 years as a Grapevine resident, including her service on the GRACE board of directors, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. O'Dell said she plans to continue her volunteer service to the city throughout her time on City Council.

She retired from her banking career about three years ago, which she said opens up time to focus on the needs of the people of Grapevine.

"If I was going to do this, then I was going to have plenty of time to do it," O'Dell said. "I'm really going to devote 75 to 80 percent of my time. This is going to be my main job."

O'Dell said her biggest focus is a 185-acre tract of property that is still under review by the city for possible economic development initiatives. The City Council continues to look at two prospective consultants who, once chosen, will then develop a master plan for the piece of land that is located near Grapevine Mills.

"That's a pretty exciting venture and is first and foremost on the agenda," she said.

O'Dell also said she plans to concentrate on preserving the originality of Grapevine as the city continues to move forward.

"I think we can grow and continue to thrive, but we have to protect [the hometown atmosphere]," she said. "I want to maintain that unique culture and heritage."

For the future, O'Dell said she is looking forward to being involved with discussions and solutions regarding parking issues in downtown. O'Dell also said she is ready to be brought up to speed on the Trinity Railway Express project expected to come to the area with a stop on Grapevine's Main Street in 2018.